Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly expressed his gratitude to the Palestinian group Hamas for the release of three Russian nationals who had been held hostage.
The three individuals were captured during the events of October 2023 when violence escalated between Hamas and Israel.
In a formal meeting at the Kremlin, President Putin met with the freed hostages and their families to personally welcome them back to Russia.
During the meeting, Putin emphasized that the safe return of the hostages was possible due to Russia’s longstanding and stable relations with the Palestinian people.
He remarked that the years of consistent dialogue and diplomatic engagement with various Palestinian organizations had played a crucial role in achieving their release.
The freed hostages expressed their relief and gratitude during the meeting, describing their experiences in captivity.
Putin praised the resilience and strength of the hostages and reassured them that the Russian government had been committed to securing their safe return.
The Russian leader also noted that diplomatic channels had remained open throughout the process, facilitating discussions that led to the successful outcome.
This move highlights Russia’s continuing involvement in Middle Eastern affairs and its efforts to maintain balanced relations with all parties in the region.
The hostages’ return is seen as a diplomatic success for Moscow, at a time when international tensions remain high.
Putin stressed that humanitarian concerns would always remain a top priority in Russia’s foreign policy approach.
He reiterated Russia’s position of advocating for peaceful resolutions to conflicts and protecting the welfare of civilians.
The Kremlin’s diplomatic team reportedly worked intensively behind the scenes to negotiate the safe release.
Putin concluded the meeting by acknowledging the hardships faced by the hostages and pledged continued support for their rehabilitation.
Russian media outlets praised the successful efforts, highlighting the importance of diplomatic persistence.
This incident also shed light on Russia’s active role in facilitating dialogue between various factions in the Middle East.
Observers see the release as part of Russia’s broader strategy to position itself as a key negotiator in regional crises.
The event is expected to strengthen Russia’s relations with Palestinian authorities and possibly improve its standing among other nations in the region.
Putin also hinted that Russia would continue to monitor the situation closely and be prepared to assist other nationals in distress abroad.
The release of the hostages has been widely welcomed by the Russian public, with many expressing relief and pride in their country’s diplomatic efforts.